Roundabouts are one of the most common places learners pick up faults on the driving test. The good news is that once you understand the rules, they become straightforward. This guide covers everything — from lane choice to signalling — so you can tackle any roundabout with confidence.
1The golden rule: give way to the right
At every roundabout, you must give way to traffic already on the roundabout coming from your right. This is the one rule that never changes. Before entering, check that the road is clear — or that any approaching vehicle is far enough away that you can enter safely without causing it to slow or swerve.
Failing to give way at a roundabout is one of the top reasons learners receive serious faults on the driving test.
2Choosing the correct lane
Always follow the road markings and signs approaching the roundabout — they will tell you which lane to use for your exit.
As a general rule if there are no markings:
• Turning left (1st exit): Use the left lane, signal left on approach. • Going straight ahead (2nd exit): Use the left lane (or right if instructed). No signal on approach. • Turning right (3rd exit or beyond): Use the right lane, signal right on approach.
On larger, multi-lane roundabouts, follow the painted arrows in each lane carefully.
💡 Tips
- •If you're unsure which lane to use, follow the arrows painted on the road.
- •On dual carriageways, treat roundabout lane choice like a junction — don't cut across lanes.
- •Never change lane on a roundabout without checking your mirrors and blind spots first.
3Signalling on a roundabout
Signalling correctly is essential — and it's where many learners lose marks.
On approach: • Left turn: Signal left. • Straight ahead: No signal (or follow signs if marked). • Right turn: Signal right.
On the roundabout: • If you signalled right to enter, keep signalling right until you pass the exit before yours. • Then cancel your right signal and signal left to show you're leaving.
This gives other drivers clear warning that you're exiting — and it's what your examiner expects.
💡 Tips
- •Always cancel your signal promptly once you've exited — don't leave it on.
- •Check your left mirror before exiting — cyclists or motorcyclists can appear on your nearside.
4Mini roundabouts
Mini roundabouts follow the same give-way rule, but because they're so small you may feel you have less time to react. On a mini roundabout:
• You must still give way to the right. • It's physically possible to go around a mini roundabout either way, but you should follow the normal directional rules. • Do not drive over the raised central island — though it may be crossed by large vehicles if unavoidable.
At a mini roundabout, even if the island is flush with the road, you must still give way to traffic from the right.
5Common roundabout mistakes
These are the faults examiners see most often:
• Failing to give way to the right — the most serious error. • Using the wrong lane and cutting across other traffic. • Forgetting to signal when leaving the roundabout. • Staying in the right lane after exiting (blocking traffic). • Hesitating excessively and holding up traffic unnecessarily. • Not checking mirrors before changing lanes on larger roundabouts.
💡 Tips
- •When in doubt, slow down and wait — a hesitation fault is always better than a serious one.
- •Practice roundabouts in quiet periods first to build confidence before busier times.